Friday, September 29, 2006

I'm exhausted.I just spent the day shopping for a new computer....and finally have it!The next time I post, I'll be working at the speed of light....and I'll actually have the technology to burn cds, make DVDs, and visit most of my favorite places without crashing my system.I'm finally in the real world again!

Thursday, September 28, 2006

As I was cleaning my kitchen last night in my never ending Windex fixation - I needed to replace the roll of paper towels. As I was putting the roll on, I noticed that not only were they pretty - but they had nice sayings on them as well. "Live, love, laugh"... "Cherish and rejoice"...those are some of the ones that stick out in my mind this morning. I read them as I was cleaning and you know what.....it made me feel good. A silly paper towel made me smile.

I think it's interesting how we're mass marketed to such an extreme, that something so day-to-day functional as even paper towels are being driven towards certain personality types. Because obviously, I will choose a pretty pattern, chock full of inspiration to adorn my paper towel holder and clean my house over a plain old white paper towel. Why is this, I wonder? Have paper towels become an item of decor as opposed to an item of functionality? Why is it so important to me that my paper towels not only clean well, but they look good?

And clearly this is something that the powers that be at all the paper towel factories in the world have been working on. While I don't have the answer to this burning question, I'm now on a mission to find the following patterns in my constant effort to feel good, keep my house sparkling clean - and looking beautiful at the same time.

My rationale for these styles:

1. I'm all about the coffee2. The Tuscan countryside I hope to visit someday....

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

I've always been a "sink or swim" kind of person. I prefer to face challenges head on, with little or no prepping and just go. With auditions, I prefer cold readings. With presentations - I never practice a speech; I just put my materials together and go. If I start a new job, I prefer minimal training - show me the bare essentials of what I need to know and I'll figure the rest out. That's not to say that there isn't a time and place for preparation because there is - but if given the choice I like to bear down hard and charge ahead.

Seems that I'm taking that route with the exercise thing. I'm doing well with working out and running - I'm feeling good about it. Normally, I need to work out with a group, to get that motivation and competitive juice flowing within me. I usually pick the best person in my class, and in my head - challenge myself to be better than they are. I can't help it - it's just how I am. But this time, I'm working out alone. Which for me, is difficult because I have no competition to motivate myself. It's only me.... competing with me.

But then - the email came in today. One of my girlfriends asked if I wanted to run a 5k with her in October. And so now - I have increased motivation. I can push myself to stay focused even if I'm doing it alone, because I've got this race coming up. I've never run in one, and it is something that is on my list of "things to do". Sure it's only a 5k, and it's only one race; but I need something to focus myself on and if running road races is it - I'll take it! I haven't been able to get back to going to karate or kickboxing mostly because of the travel aspect of getting to class, or timing - and that was my one real hobby that I took the time to do. And even that, I wasn't able to pursue as fully as I'd wanted to. So, here's a toast to my new goal:

Monday, September 25, 2006

When I tucked my son into bed last night, he asked me if I believe in magic.I told him that yes, I do. He said, "I don't. I mean, if I see a magician make someone disappear, in front of me and not on television - than maybe I'll believe it's real. But I don't know that it's real because it's only on television."I sometimes find it hard to believe that he's only five.

I told him that of course magic is real -- just like love is real....and you have to believe in magic, just like you have to believe in love - because love is magical. He sort of just looked at me.

So I said to him, "Well, you know Santa Claus right?". And he said "Of course! I love Santa Claus!". I said, "Well, don't you think Santa is magical? The way he flies through the skies with his reindeer, and brings all the children of the world gifts, wouldn't you say that's sort of like magic?"

Well, he is only five.....He's got his whole life to learn about magic. And while I know he's talking about the sleight of hand type of magic, which we all know isn't real -- I still want him to have that innocence of thinking "is it real?" and being excited by the possibility that it might be.

I think when we're young, innocence allows us to see magic in everything; and then as we get older, we lose sight of it.The feeling of seeing a Christmas tree illuminate for the first time of a season; seeing a deer quietly cross your path in a wooded area; seeing a child smile when they're tasting something new for the first time; making someone laugh so hard that they can't stop laughing....these are all moments that are still so very magical for me.

Maybe magic is truly only held in the eyes of beholder who has the hope of wanting to find it.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

It's funny....working on base, I meet people who not only come from all over the world - but who have travelled all over the world as well. And sometimes, people who are born and bred here in New England often sound like they're from the South or Midwest, depending upon how much time they spent stationed some place. Of course - us Massachusetts types - have accents that vary from city to city. But quite often the topic of conversation that floats around the office is about the pronounciations we have here in Massachusetts of many things - most especially our towns. But of course there's always the usuals: we call soft drinks tonic, prounounce aunt as "ah-nt" as opposed to calling them the insect, the state of Florida is "Floh-rida" as opposed to "Flooorida". You get the picture.

I've always been the type of person that if I spend too much time in a place, I pick up the accent pretty easily. A few years back, I was vacationing in Virginia Beach practically every other weekend, and sure enough I had a teensy bit of a drawl. Imagine if I spent any time in England? I'd be asking if you'd "care for a spot of tea" when you came to visit me. Must be that bit of theatrics I've got in me....

Friday, September 22, 2006

Something about today made me think of my Auntie Saralee. I don't know what it is exactly that triggered it, because I think of her often. But somedays she's on my mind more than others. We're coming upon the 21st anniversary of her death in the next couple of weeks. It's weird to think that she's been gone for more years than I actually knew her. I was only 15 when she died, and it was so very unexpected; she was so young.

She was my mom's older sister, and while she didn't live right near us - she was always around it seemed. She was a huge part of my life growing up; more so than I think she probably even knew. More so than I think I even knew at the time....because of course, I was only a child. My memories of her are sometimes so very clear, and then sometimes... I can't even remember what she looks like. I can hear her laugh in my head, and I remember the twinkle in her eyes when she smiled - and when she was mad. She was a very strong woman from what I remember, always standing by what she believed.

I don't think time has romanticized my memories of her.....I don't think she was very different from the way I remember her being. No one is perfect, we all have our flaws and quirks in our personalities....and of course, I only knew her as a child knowing her aunt. I didn't have the luxury of knowing her, woman to woman. But I loved that she always took the time to include me in as much of her plannings and vacations with my cousins as she could. She was always out and about doing things, involved in organizations -- and was just a kind person in general. I think that my Auntie Saralee had a larger impact on my life than anyone would've expected, and I hope that I take after her in some ways.

The day my aunt died, changed my family forever. I don't know if it's entirely true to say that she was the lynchpin in the family, but in retrospect - it sure feels that way.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

So I finally did it.I started working out again last night. I decided that I'm tired of complaining about my lack of working out - I need to just do it. So, I ran for the first time in months. I also thought that while I'm trying to recover from this allergy thing I got going on, some good cardiovascular activity would help clear me up. I did okay....only ran a mile, but it was an 11 minute mile - and needless to say I was dying at the end of it. My legs were fine - but wow does my cardio need some improving. Then, I hit the bag for 3 rounds. Funny, I forgot how sore you feel after throwing a few hooks because, well - I USED to be in shape so it never bothered me much. I guess my muscles have lost some of their memory...! I'll have to wake those bad boys up.The fall rejuvenates me. For me, the cool air and the dark skies get me energized to exercise. I've been lazy long enough. I'm looking forward to doing it again tonight. I miss the sweat and pain of a good workout.... it feels good.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

I've always liked that quote, and it's been circling in my head for the latter part of this afternoon.Life. Always full of surprises. We never know the questions until they staring us in the face....And we almost always never know the answers....

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

As much as I said I thought this day would never come, it has.I gave in...and got Sirius Satellite radio for my truck.Outside of my having real difficulty getting good reception - I have to admit, I love it. Being the music fanatic that I am, it's like I've got the whole world right at my fingertips! There's not enough time in the day for me to listen to all that I'd want to. What's funny, is that because I know that there is so much available, I'm finding myself having a hard time to listen to a song in it's entirety because I'm always thinking "what song am I missing right now?". Which is funny, because with traditional free radio - I don't have that same mindset. I think it's because I know that there's always either a commercial on; or the fact that rarely do I find two songs on conflicting stations at the same time that I really enjoy.

Where else can I go from 80's hair bands, to Elvis, to Alternative to Country, to Celtic - all in one commute, without using my cd player?? And me recovering from laryngitis at the moment - you can only imagine my dissapointment at not being able to sing while I drove!Considered this added to my list of addictions!

Monday, September 18, 2006

So, over the last week I attempted to buy myself a few birthday gifts. A little bit of a jump on my fall/winter wardrobe - but what is up with all the new styles that are only for girls with long, slim torsos???? That leaves short waisted girls like myself with all sorts of problems!

I have really long arms and legs - but I've got a short torso. Hey, we can't be perfect right? Well, my girlfriend Kim, actually is perfectly porportioned and she's 5'7. My legs are as long as hers - we can borrow pants and dresses when we want to, because they're always hemmed to the right length. But she's got a nice long torso. That's where we differ - hence my being only 5'1. I mean, I don't look weird or anything - but we girls know our imperfections pretty well when it comes to buying clothes, and that's one of my biggest issues. So when I buy tops, I have to be careful with the way it's cut because otherwise, I look ridiculous. And it seems that this season - everything is so long! I bought a bunch of tops at my favorite store - and I've had to return them all. And I even bought Petite XS. So much for sprucing up my wardrobe....

I did however - manage to find a fun pair of boots, because oh yes - it IS boot season.And one can never have enough pairs of boots....

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Today is the day that my parents actually "became" Mom and Dad. The day that my Papa and Grandma had their first grandchild. The day my Nana got her "favorite" birthday gift (that's what she used to tell me anyway!) The day I was destined to be a "big" sister.

The day that was the first day of the rest of my life....

Happy Birthday to Me!

Your Birthdate: September 17

You tend to find yourself lucky - both in business and in life.And while being wealthy is nice, you enjoy sharing your abundance with others.You put your luck to good use: you are very ambitious and goal oriented.Often times, you get over excited and take on more than you can manage.

Saturday, September 16, 2006

The term "Goddess" literally means:1. A female being of supernatural powers or attributes, believed in and worshiped by a people.2. A female being believed to be the source of life and being and worshiped as the principal deity in various religions.3. An image of a female supernatural being; an idol.4. A woman of great beauty or grace.Yet in today's society, we - women - use it as a term to embrace who we are as a person. It's a word used for self appreciation, as most of us know that our gender is often so loving of everyone else around us, we tend to forget to love ourselves. We pick ourselves apart and place ourselves last in line. So to coin a phrase, to be "the goddesses that we are" is merely just to love ourselves despite our shortcomings. No one is perfect, and though we may accept the imperfections of others, we're far harder on accepting the imperfections within ourselves.And it's fun to use the term. We can be Domestic Goddesses, Shopping Goddesses....or, as I like to use the term penned by Liz Phair - Average, every-day sane psycho Super Goddess. For me, it covers all bases!We're not perfect creatures by default; and once we embrace that - then I think that is when we can truly be happy with ourselves. I know I'm a work in progress....and I'm okay with that. I think I'm generally happy with myself, though I may not always be happy with the circumstances I might be in at any given time. And I don't know that the two are always mutually exclusive... And while I've had others in my life try to tear me down, or try to make me feel that I'm not a good person - it's always been that Goddess inside who never let that happen.

You Are Artemis!

Brave, and a natural born leader.You're willing to fight for what you believe in...And willing to make tough decisions.Don't forget - the people around you have ideas too!

Friday, September 15, 2006

What is wrong with society today? What happened to good ol' fashioned entertainment?!I mean, the onset of reality television was inevitable, we knew it was coming. And in the beginning, it was alot of fun. It catapulted "regular" people like us into a 15 minutes of fame scenario. And we all want to see the "Average Joe" (no pun intended) come out ahead, because we can relate to them.

But then suddenly - the "Average Joe" became out of work actors, and people just trying to get their face on television. It opened a whole new door for people trying to make it big in Hollywood - and the shows really started to go down in quality, in my opinion. Now, these "B" and "C" actors are jumping on the bandwagon because hey - they're unemployed actors as well. So now, we're inundated with a barrage of these shows: "Dancing with Celebrities", "Skating with Celebrities", "Celebrity Duets", "Celebrity Fit Club".... the list goes on and on. Do I really want to see an overweight actor complaining about how they lived the good life too well - and now has to diet?

Thursday, September 14, 2006

I walked into work this morning, and found a card and gift bag on my desk.

Two of my friends who won't be in tomorrow - remembered that my birthday is coming. In the bag they left a Yankee Candle, a giant bag of mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and a large bag of Eclipse Mint Gum. Clearly, they know me well!

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

People that are always on "Transmit"....and never "Recieve".You know the type.... the ones who think that they're smarter than you. They endlessly read you their resume. They want you on their team - but for what? It's not as if you have any true added value in their opinion, because you aren't of their caliber. Or maybe you just aren't telling them what they want to hear you say. They want all the glory... but often don't have the guts to go with it.

They spend so much of their time not listening, and dictating - they they spend just as much time backpedalling to fix or explain situations that they entered into - without taking into consideration the ramifications that were clearly outlined for them prior to jumping in with both feet. (and their hands tied behind their backs, with their eyes closed. Because they have all the answers you know.)

They tend to point fingers, incorrectly lay blame...and be dishonest in situations. They'll throw other people "under the bus" so to speak, in an effort to make themselves appear in a good light.

Take one for the team, my friend. That is being a good leader. Make a bad judgement call.....admit it. If you didn't pay attention when someone spoke, and you engage in actions that you otherwise might not have had you listened - then own it. If you are talking with people who are discussing something that is out of your realm of expertise - don't challenge them on it, and then tell them their wrong. It's called listening...and learning.

Something that we should never stop doing in life....no matter how old we are, or what our position is.

The strongest and most effective leaders in the world are ones who lead by example - not by force.

This is a lesson that for some, unfortunately seems to fall on deaf ears.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

It's been a while since I've posted one of these, and I thought this would be a fun one to share. Please feel free to use it if you'd like- but with the caveat that you share your answers with me!

1) A favorite political track. "God Bless the USA", Lee Greenwood. Nowadays, to be proud to be American is rather political.2) One of those tracks that make you dance on the dance floor no matter what. - Dancing Queen, Abba

3) The song you’d use to tell someone you love them. - "When you say Nothing at All", by Alison Krauss. Sometimes it's more important to show your feelings than say them... But there are hundreds I can choose from, depending on whether I want to be romantic, or passionate, or tragic. "If I didn't have you" by Amanda Marshall is one of my most favorite passionately expressed songs. "Consequences of Falling" by KD Lang is by far to me one of the most sensual songs - combination of the lyrics and the way she sings it. 4) A song that has made you sit down and analyze it’s lyrics. I'm all about the lyrics! Every song I listen to is like that for me. "Sometimes it be that way" by Jewel is a fun one.5) A song that you like, that a two year old would like as well. - Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head, BJ Thomas6) A song that gives you an energy boost. "It's Raining Men", the Weather Girls7) A song that you and your grandparents (would probably) like. "The Nearness of You", Norah Jones

8) A song that you really liked when you were 14-16, and still really like now. "Livin' on a Prayer", Bon Jovi - It just makes me feel good. 9) Two sad songs that would be in the soundtrack of the movie about your life. "Killing Me Softly" by Roberta Flack and "California Dreaming", Mamas & the Papas

10) A peppy song that would start the opening credits of the movie about your life. "I'm just a Girl", No Doubt

11) A good song from a genre of music that no one would guess that you liked. I like unique soundtrack music. "The Jurassic Park" soundtrack is one of my all time favorites. 12) A song that you think should have been playing when you were born. "Always a woman to me", Billy Joel

14) A favorite song that you completely disagree with (politically, morally, commonsenically, religiously etc.) Bawidtaba - Kid Rock 15) The song that you like despite the fact your IQ level drops several points every time you listen to it. - Laid, by James

16) Your smooth song, for relaxing. No one song in particular. I usually put on Celtic Woman, Enya, Yanni and Josh Groban if I want to really just be relaxed. I love Celtic and New Age. 17) A song you would send to someone you hate or are mad at. "Stripped Pt 1 & Pt 2", Christina Aguilera

18) A favorite track from an outfit considered a “super-group.” "High Enough", Damn Yankees

19) A song that makes you reminsce about good times with a family member. "Make it Real" by the Jets. It totally reminds me of my sister, and we always crack up when we hear it

Monday, September 11, 2006

I've written many posts regarding my feelings about this day and the events that took place 5 years ago.They have yet to change.

I still feel a sense of disbelief and helplessness when watching the footage from that morning. It's probably one of the most vulnerable times I've had in my life, considering I was fortunate enough to not have been directly impacted - outside of merely being an American, and a human being.

I am proud to be an American, despite my government's choices at many times throughout our history. There is not one event, or involvement of affairs that a finger can pointed to as potentially a bad judgement call on action. Or inaction - as it has also been at times. It's the very core of our freedom being Americans that allows us to voice our opinons both positive and negative about our country, our state of affairs....our government.

Those who say that they are ashamed to be Americans today should really take a step back and revisit the events of September 11th. Where we are today is a direct result of that tragedy - and whether it is a popular decision or not - we rose to the challenge of being attacked. The "where's" and "why's" are irrelevant in my mind. Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan....Taliban, Al Queda, Hezbollah, Hamas...it's all the same. Send a message to one - send a message to all. I have such distaste and disdain for those who use the events of that day for political gain...and both parties are guilty of it. There have been opponents of every war, conflict and struggle that we have ever been in; that is human nature. We are not all going to agree on all issues, at all times. But if you can't recall, can't feel, can't acknowledge the heartbreak and loss our country felt five years ago today - then I strongly question your humanity.

This tragedy should be reflected upon as something to unite us as a nation - not divide us. To not do so, only tarnishes the value of the lives that were lost that day, those innocently - and heroically. And what about those who have selflessly given their lives since that day? If we allow the aftermath to divide us, then in some ways - on some level - haven't the terrorists won?

Friday, September 08, 2006

It's funny. Some people are "girly girly" from the start. When they were little, they loved frilly dresses and pretty bows and the sort. Some of us weren't so delicate and dainty always. Sure, maybe we had tea parties with our dolls - but once we turned 5 or 6 and realized that there was more to life than that - maybe we said goodbye to the pretty dresses and such. This is my case, actually.By the time I was school age - I was pretty adamant about dressing myself. I see photos of myself in plaid pants and striped shirts, often inside out and backwards, and I ask my Mother "what was WRONG with you, letting me out this way??". To which she gently reminds me that it was I who picked my outfits and dressed myself, despite her pleas to let her dress me in pretty dresses. She has often told me that she would send a note to school with me, to let the teacher know I was insistent about dressing myself and that she wasn't really a bad mother. Nurturing my independance, so to speak. I also was fascinated with insects, worms, wildlife and animals of all kinds. I actually wasn't very nice to bugs....not to be mean to them necessarily but more of an experimental nature. I won't go into details of what I did to bugs, but let's just say that it all stopped by age 10. Since then, I've always had this fear that I was going to come back as an ant or grasshopper someday and be tortured - so I'm always, always nice to them now. The stray carpenter ant that makes its way into the house during the rainy season? I scoop him up and bring him back outside because, clearly - he's confused. He doesn't want to be indoors! I rode BMX bikes with the boys in my neighborhood; every Saturday we'd ride our bikes to the local BMX racing track where kids from all over the state (and some out of state) would compete. I didn't own a BMX bike - I had a regular 10 speed and wanted to race so badly. So my friends surprised me, and built me a bike - it wasn't the prettiest, but I was proud of it. I only won one race - but to have been able to gain the respect of my guy friends - was more valueable to me than any medal.There are many examples I could give; these are just a few. I grew into my femininity. It may have always been there by default, but I didn't really appreciate it much until later in my early twenties. I've always sort of been a "guy's girl" - and I'm proud of that. I'm also proud of being very girly girl at times - but when the circumstances arise, that tomboyish personality in me rises to the challenge.I'm sort of glad that I am both soft, and spirited. We are who we are. I think it's most important to embrace that, than worry about how we wish we were...

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Yup. There's a whole lot of testosterone flowing in Massachusetts tonight. I just finished watching the Massachusetts Democratic Primary Debate in the race for Governor. The attacking that went on was not only surprising - it really left me cold. Inside politics are part of the game....if one is running for candidacy in public office, surely they must be expecting them to take place. But to cry about them during a debate, as opposed to answering questions - well, that is poor sportsmanship in my opinion. Especially during a debate at this level. The final two candidates aren't even in place yet. A little friendly mudslinging at the next level might be more appropo.That being said, I walked into watching this debate leaning towards one candidate...and left finding myself surprisingly leaning towards another.

Truly, this debate in of itself did little for me to narrow down the candidates. I felt the questions weren't really reflective of alot of the concerns facing the state today; and what they did address - was rather superficial.I guess I better start brushing up on the backgrounds of two of the candidates I'm less familiar with.If I like what I find.....I may surprise even myself when I place my vote on September 19th.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

There's something therapeutic about flowers.Whether it's a bouquet you purchase for yourself as a "pick me up"...or from a friend to let you know they're thinking of you....or maybe just a wildflower picked from the ground impulsively from a person you enjoy spending time with. The smile you feel inside is really special.

I went to get my afternoon coffee today, and for the second day in a row now - I noticed women walking around with single long stem roses. So, I walked into the flower shop located in the building and asked if there was a significance to everyone having flowers; was it to remember a holiday of some sort? The shop owner smiled, and said that I was welcome to have a flower as well - it is their grand "reopening" under new ownership and so to celebrate - they were giving women who came into the shop a free rose.

And a beautiful rose it is. Truly.

So, as I walked out of the shop with my coffee and my rose - I couldn't help but to smile as I smelled it. It was just what I needed today.

It now sits on my desk in a vase where I can enjoy it as it opens...Receiving flowers makes you feel special, no matter who the gift is from.Even from a stranger as it happened to be this afternoon.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

I have so many different things on my mind, and so I figured I'd sort of just put them out there in no particular order. So much to say, and yet so little to say at the same time. As if that makes any sense!1. Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter. How ironic is it that a person who made his career out of wrangling and interacting with some of the most deadliest and unpredictable of creatures, has his life ended so abruptly by one thought to be one of nature's most gentle? I also wonder how this is going to affect one of Grand Caymen Island's most sought after tourist attractions...2. This time of year just inspires me to be creative in the kitchen. I love, love, love to cook. And few things inspire me more than cool weather! I'm back to watching Food TV when I get the chance - and while I still love my girl Rachel Ray - I've got to tell you, it's really difficult to try to cook like her. Her menus are simple, and they're all so quick - but you really have to plan in advance because she cooks rather out of the ordinary menus. It's hard to whip up her recipes with basic food shopping items. Call me crazy - but who keeps chipotle or red snapper in their house as a staple???3. While I'm anxiously awaiting football....I still haven't given up on baseball. But does it make me less of a fan if I look at this realistically and come to grips with the fact that the Red Sox probably won't make the playoffs? Prepare for the worst and hope for the best, right?4. I have got to get my butt back to working out. I watched a really cool show about Muay Thai girl boxers over the weekend. While I don't anticipate traveling to Thailand to win a title - I would love to get back into the swing of working out and kickboxing at a minimum. To find the time.....and the motivation! Say it with me...I know I can; I know I can!5. I think I may have made a snap judgement about a co worker of mine. I don't like to do that, and normally I don't pass judgement about anyone but my perception may have been clouded by outside sources. Only time will tell ...but as of this afternoon - I think I may have. And for that, I'm truly sorry. And feeling a little bit guilty....6. I need a hair cut so badly I can't stand it. But when to find the time?!?!? How wrong would it be for me to take a little time off during the work day for a teensie, weensie trim??7. Today was my son's first day of kindergarten. It went wonderfully - he was perfectly thrilled to go - and ran onto the bus without even saying good bye to me! Which, was pretty funny. Many people asked me today if I was sad....and you know what - I wasn't. I left my son at the school where he was perfectly safe, happy and content. I wasn't sad that he didn't miss me - I was proud that he was in such a great state of mind and ready to take on this new chapter in his life. I got some funny reactions from other Moms when I said I wasn't so much sad as I was happy for him. Is that so strange?8. "God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,courage to change the things we can,and wisdom to know the difference." Why is this reserved only for alcoholics? I refer to this often - and I'm not an alcoholic by any stretch. Life throws us curveballs on a daily basis....this should be everyone's mantra I think. Not just those with demons.There's many other things rattling around in my brain today...but I think this is more than enough to make you go "hmmm" for today!

Monday, September 04, 2006

In New England, the seasons change faster than you can realize. By the end of August, there is already that crispness in the air. The leaves have already begun to change and fall.... and it seems that before you know it, the sun is setting earlier each day. This is my favorite time of year....the warm days, and the cool mornings and evenings that almost smell like an apple tastes. Along with this time of year, comes the sick season. It's difficult to know how to dress, because the mornings are cooler - and the afternoons might hit 80 - and then drop off just as quickly by the time 4:00 rolls around. I'm already starting to feel the effects of this, as I'm fighting off some semblence of a cold. It's hard to tell if it's the change of seasons that's got me run down; the mistriggering of the pollen from the plants and trees as they are trying to determine whether to bloom or die off for another year...or just a good ol' fashioned cold. Either way, it doesn't change the fact that Autumn in New England is one of the nicer times of the year around here. School is starting, it's apple picking and corn roasting season...there are football games to watch, and parties to be had. It's by far my most favorite time of the year.

Saturday, September 02, 2006

I love a good verbal jousting... A sparring of words, bantering - if you will.It's a ton of fun - and I'm usually pretty good at it, and can keep up with the best of them. Usually you know who you can, and who you can't kid around with like that. I really appreciate a sharp mind and a quick tongue - and to be able to work with people who are like that as well, it can make the work you're doing much more enjoyable.So it's funny when you meet someone who's pretty good at it themselves - except that you aren't prepared for it, because you didn't have that expectation, or preconcieved notion that they were of that same sense of humor. And then they out joust you. I'm still smarting... But I guess I can't always win, right? ;)

Friday, September 01, 2006

The night before last, I started watching "When the Levee Broke" - a documentary on Hurricane Kristina by Spike Lee. I've only gotten half way through, and will finish it more than likely tonight because it's a rather long movie.

I didn't watch much of the footage of the hurricane while it was all going on; I didn't turn a blind eye to what was going on - but I didn't watch it. I just couldn't endure all the devastation and desecration of human lives on television again. I did contribute financially to many groups - and of course I donated tons of clothes and baby items to try to help as best as I could from a distance.

The hurricane and the lack of support from the governments at all levels has been such a politically charged issue, rightfully so. I do not believe that it's a racial issue though; I do not believe that the government was trying to eliminate a "race" from the states that were affected. And this documentary to this point that I've seen is not depicting it as such. It's clearly being slanted towards the negligence of the Federal Government, but at the same time - it's also showing rescue efforts made by the Coast Guard, the National Guard, and while it's showing the devastation of the floods - it's also showing the tenacity and strength of the human spirit of the people within the Superdome and the Convention Center during the storm.

There's one part of the movie, maybe two days after the storm where out of all the despair - a group of people start singing "This little light of mine". It didn't take long before the whole place was singing, and holding onto the hope that there was light at the end of the tunnel and that they would come through this nightmare and live to see another day. It was a small blip in the movie - and yet probably the one that had the biggest impact in the movie. While the images of corpses in the water, and children crying are horrible - it's this one small clip of the human spirit that had the lasting impression on me.

I don't know who's right or who's wrong; I don't know that had the levees been repaired prior to this storm if they even at that point - would've been strong enough to sustain the waters. We can say that they would - but do we really know for sure? Mother Nature is uncontrollable, unpredictable....and just when we think we know what she's going to do or how strong she is or isn't - she fools us. One thing is for sure though. The human spirit is stronger than anything that Mother Nature can throw at us. Will to survive and endure is unshakeable, unbreakable - and stronger than any levee will ever be.

A little about me...

Owner of two fine wine and gourmet shops. I love to see the upside of down, and the good in everyone - even when it's difficult to see at times. Bonafide music buff. Sports girl - not a "Pink Hat-ter". Always working on having a strong mind, strong body and strong heart. Nothing makes me happier than spending time with my family - and hearing my children laugh.